Motel.com Newsletter

The results obtained from a survey regarding vacation and traveling, conducted by an independent research company TNS, highlights an obvious answer: Money. It is evident, without a doubt, that the main concern of individuals during vacation time is the cash that is going to be spent which resultantly adds stress for the vacation planner. It is ironic how vacations are taken to relieve oneself of stress and daily tension, but planning one to do so adds to that. Budget-related decisions when planning for the affordable vacation ultimately determines the kind of experience and time a person will have.

Financial stress does not end at the initial planning stages of vacation. Impulsive shopping, spontaneous decisions or unplanned expenditures such as medical expenses all further build up the stress involved when taking a vacation. Only the privileged or the ignorant can experience what is known as a ‘stress-relief-vacation’ because obviously with limited financial freedom and budget constraint, stress is inevitable. Who in his or her right mind is capable of splashing out hundreds of dollars for an hour of stress free spa experience when you know you would have to eventually get back and make up for the spent amount. The survey also determined the fact the 64% of women and 41% of men ultimately feel guilty for vacation spending. Clearly, the added financial pressure and guilt is not worth the ‘stress reducing’ vacation experience if thought about rationally.

However, there are ways to reduce or control this unavoidable stress when planning and taking a vacation. It is highly suggested to consult a travel agency when planning a vacation. The agents turn constraint into possible options which one could only dream about within the limited budget. As travel agents usually have direct links or business relations with the major hotels and airlines, they are able to provide better and more affordable travel packages. Depending on occasions most agents also provide special offers or discounts that individuals can avail. Special or discount offers include free spa coupons, free dinner or lunch coupons, one-day adventure experience tickets, or discounted transportation to mention a few.

Another stress that most vacation takers experience is of unexpected travel expenses related to missed or cancelled flights and lost baggage or personal belongings. The smartest way to curb such expenses is to go for travel insurance. Most of the time travel insurance packages cover expenses incurred while travelling which are unplanned. With proper reasons, if a flight is missed the insurance covers the fine expense or due to some situation a flight is cancelled the expense of the possible stay at a hotel is covered. Moreover, if while travelling some personal belonging is lost such as baggage, money, credit card or official documents, the insurance covers the loss or the possible cost associated with replacing or finding the lost possession.

Conclusively, financial stress is inevitable but there are ways to reduce or eliminated such worries which can simply be done by consulting a travel agent or taking advantage of travel insurance packages. If these simple steps are followed, a perfect stress free vacation is not a distant dream.